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I'm an RN. The best jobs I had were as as a med/surg nurse in an inner city hospital, and then as a visiting nurse in a nearby town. Loved the work, that and fantastic coworkers made it great. At the VNA I had a boss who is/was one of my role models for a life exceptionally well lived. Met lots of interesting, kind, weird, and wonderful people.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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In another 3 weeks I would be eligible for early SS and a pension, but will most likely continue working for another 5-8 years.
That's mostly because I enjoy what I do, this job is by far the best. It's also the highest pay, and best benefits, but the real enjoyment for me is the constant challenges, diversity of work, and the location. I'm a manager in commercial/industrial real estate and utilities, and my window office is on the waterfront so I see ships going by, the Seattle skyline, and Mt. Rainier from my desk.
It seems that the best jobs are a fortunate combination of doing something you enjoy doing in a supportive environment. I had that during the mid-90's when I worked for a law firm in Miami.
I loved doing legal research and writing, and had been an English teacher for years before law school. I was able to get a job at a very successful, highly regarded small (7 lawyers) firm where the lawyers were very happy to turn over their research and drafting responsibilities to me.
The work was fascinating, challenging, and rewarding. And working at that firm was pure pleasure. The firm was very generous with salaries, bonuses, gifts, staff parties, and frequent lunches out at good restaurants. Everyone at the firm seemed to get along well with everyone else there. The partners told me often that they really appreciated my work and that they were so glad they had hired me.
This dream job came to an end when the two senior partners went through separate personal but highly publicized and dramatic crises that ultimately led to the dissolution of the firm. I felt like a kid whose parents are getting divorced. I moved on to other jobs that I liked very much, but that was the best job I've had.
Location: Living near our Nation's Capitol since 2010
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I wont be retiring for quite a few years yet, but the job I have now is definately the best job on earth for me. I love flying for a living. We see it all...and then some! we work looooong hours, we are gone from home for days at a time, etc, but watching people is very interesting. Yes, I get paid pretty well, but honestly, I would still do it even for less money. Once it gets into your blood, it is hard to even think of leaving it.
I've been uncommonly lucky (also tried to plan it as much as I could) that all my jobs were my "best job".
One that stands out was one summer internship where I was paid to work logic puzzles all summer.
Oh, OK. Technically I was programming 0's and 1's into the firmware for a new mainframe computer. But really - once you knew the architecture of the computer, it was just the same as working logic puzzles.
My best job was when I go introduced to personal computers. It was also where I had my favorite boss. I had just finished a bank training course and was assigned to a real estate group. My boss asked if anyone wanted to get training on an Apple IIe computer. I was the only one who volunteered (per my father's advice - if you company offers to train you take it, they will value you more if they have invested in you). Back then, late 70's early 80's, anything with a keyboard attached was "women's work". My boss (the first female boss I ever had) encouraged me to continue my training with the company paying for it. That introduction to PCs has lead me to a profitable career. Not only did I find a new direction, but got to see what a really good boss looks like and how she operates. She was a wonderful role model.
My 'best' job - 1966 to 1972 - working at Prudential Ins. It was also my first full time job. We were treated like 'human' beings .. was always busy but very appreciated by management who always let us know. I enjoyed the work I did (payroll) and enjoyed the people I worked with. I really thought that this was 'normal' at most companies.
My worst job was my last - 12 hour graveyard shift for 8 years ... never got more than 3 or 4 hours of sleep .. didn't know what day or time of day it was most of the time. My manager was a ***** who favored the guys (she allowed them to have porn on 'our' computers), she used to call the office late at night completely drunk, told me I should get laid, was always abusive, let the guys get away with coming in late and leaving early. Most of the employees were back-stabbing aholes with the exception of one (who I still keep in touch with), she made it bearable to work in that hell-hole. My health deteriorated to the point that I am disabled now .. and still trying to find any 'non' stressful job because I can't afford to live on just social security. I hate the company, hate the management, and hate myself for 'allowing' the abuse I took at this place. But I always did what I needed to do to pay the bills .. it was a waste of my life.
This is a great thread! Thanks OP for starting it. It seems the common denominator is being appreciated and/or trusted by the bosses. Such a variety of jobs--who would have thought....
I have two faves as well: dropped out of college to go "up, up, and away" as a flight attendant for TWA. Wonderful memories, lasting friends. Young, happy, I felt I had the world by the tail. Layovers in Oahu, Bangkok, Hong Kong, etc. etc. Flying to London to get my hair done at Sassoon. My mother still asks if I couldn't go back (she loved the bennies, lol).
I love my present gig, too, although it's rapidly deteriorating into an untenable situation. Love my work, hate my job. I work in a high volume, high acuity emergency department. More rewarding work for me I cannot imagine. It is a privilege to be part of a team who puts excellence at the top of their to-do list.
Looking forward to more insights, and that's what I feel we're getting here: a real look into who the person behind the screen name really is.
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